Capirossi closing in on MotoGP legend Angel Nieto

Capirossi closing in on MotoGP legend Angel Nieto

Loris Capirossi's win at Jerez came at the start of his 17th year in Grand Prix racing. It was back in 1990 that Capirossi scored his first GP victory in the 125cc class at Donington Park on the way to winning the World title.

In the 57-year history of World Championship motorcycle racing only one rider has had a longer winning career, thirteen times World Champion Angel Nieto. Loris Capirossi can take this distinction away from Nieto if he triumphs again at the Czech GP in August or later. The following list shows the five riders with the longest winning careers in Grand Prix racing:
1. Angel Nieto – First win: 50cc E.Germany 1969 / Last GP win: 80cc France 1985 – Lenght of winning GP career (years) 16.02
2. Loris Capirossi – First win: 125cc Great Britain 1990 / Last GP win: MotoGP Spain 2006 – Lenght of winning GP career (years) 15.64
3. Phil Read – First win: 350cc Great Britain 1961 / Last GP win: 500cc Czech 1975 – Lenght of winning GP career 14.19
4. Loris Reggiani – First win: 125cc Great Britain 1980 / Last GP win: 250cc Czech 1993 – Lenght of winning GP career (years) 13.03
5. Max Biaggi – First win: 250cc South Africa 1992 / Last win: MotoGP Germany 2004 – Lenght of winning GP career (years) 11.87
Capirossi is also the rider with the fourth longest winning career in the premier-class of Grand Prix racing, behind Alex Barros, Phil Read and Giacomo Agostini. However he would need to win a race towards the end of next season before moving further up the following list.